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Detention base wants to expand

PLANS could be submitted soon to expand Kidlington’s Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre.

The Home Office said it is considering a planning application to Cherwell District Council to expand the 216-bed centre in Langford Lane.

It would not give details but a letter to homes from planning consultants CgMs Consulting said it would be for 280 bed spaces to the north of the site.

Spokesman Richard Crowe said: “We are currently considering submitting a planning application to expand the capacity of Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre as part of our work to remove those people who have no right to remain in the UK. That work requires an estate of modern, secure immigration removal centres, located with easy access to the airports from which removals take place.”

Campaign to Close Campsfield organiser Bill MacKeith said: “I’m quite optimistic it won’t go ahead because of the opposition shown by planning authorities in this kind of thing. It would be adisaster, there is no need for it. The number of people being deported by the Government is declining. It flies in the face of pressure by international bodies like the UN to reduce the number of detention spaces.”

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